When selling your car, what do you require and allow on a test drive?

[SBR70.3]

I have owned and sold several cars, but none were as modified as my 2016 GT (mods in sig). Car is posted on FB Marketplace at the moment.

I did note anyone wanting to take it for a test drive needs to show me a valid DL and proof of insurance. I've never asked this before, but I don't want some kid with no insurance flooring it out of a turn and spinning into another car, then not being insured. I know my insurance will take over, but then my rates will likely go up. Not happening.

My plan is to drive the car for the prospective buyer first, then let them drive. How aggressive do you let someone drive your car? I will not know what their driving experience is and there are too many videos of Mustangs doing stupid things.

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[NightmareMoon]

I wouldn't let them do anything which would get a ticket. No excessive acceleration, no hooning of any kind. Test drive is only to verify the car is in good condition and that it matches the ad, not to test any limits.

If they want to try a mustang out for the first time and see if they feel fast, too bad, go rent one on Turo.

 

[Paddles]

Ask for a cash deposit to test drive.
Doesn't have to be a lot, but like $100 will discourage all of the non serious buyers.

 

[BlkMach10510]

I prob would not be fine with someone test driving my supercharged mustang. I have a feeling you are going to have looky-loos. I am not usually behind the the person looking needs to make a non refundable deposit but maybe you should to maybe avoid the idiots who want to play with a super charged car.

 

[SCP440]

Non refundable deposit and you want to see proof of insurance.
There are lots of people who just go out and test drive cars for the fun of it.

 

[LCK22GT]

I'd spend some time in conversion with the individual to make sure I trust them at all. A kid that shows up in a beater would be a hard no. I'd offer to take that sort for a ride along.

If the person seems trustworthy I'd get a pic of their DL and POI, exchange car keys as a token of trust and ride along with them.

 

[stang17]

Cars always seem faster from the passenger seat. I'd take them for a ride. Explain to them if they crashed, insurance would only reimburse you for the price of the stock car and you'd be out thousands upon thousands.

If it came down to being a deal breaker, then they would need to show proof of funds before letting them drive. I'd also let them know you will be recording everything with your dash cam as well as the pre drive conversation saying if they had an accident, they would be purchasing the car or something of the sort.

May not hold up legally, but would sure help filter out the serious buyers.

 

[Jeepwx03]

Ive had people show thier valid license and insurance and sign a short liability form so they understand they were responsible for damages under thier insurance. I think its reasonable to set limits on the test drive if you feel comfortable letting them drive, as others have suggested. You could also offer to drive if they wanted to experience more of the performance, that way you are in control and you're going to know your car the best.

 

[SBR70.3]

Thank you for all of the replies. I just didn't want to be unreasonable in what I am asking. I have added pretty much all of the advice to the marketplace listing.

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

I’ve sold a number of cars over the years, several BMWs with manual transmission and RWD, many without traction control. Test drives only happened with me sitting in the passenger seat.

Laws vary by location, but here in New England the vehicle is what has to be insured, not drivers. When you insure the car you state who will be a regular driver, but are still able to allow other licensed drivers to drive it casually, and be covered. So it’s up to me to have the coverage, and just check that they have a license, which I take a photo of on my phone.

On a Mustang GT, I would also insist that the stability and traction controls remain engaged until after they pay me in full for the car, then they can do whatever they want.

 

[Craig Brown]

If they want to drive it, BUY IT. otherwise I will give them a ride.

 

[Therealmattlex]

I will not ever ride with on a test drive. I don't trust my life in a strangers hands. If someone is serious about buying it I want them to run the car through the gears.

If I ever test drive a vehicle I will also run the car hard to make sure there is no weird noises or issues. If I cannot do this I wont even go look at it.

 

[SheepDog]

I sold my 2017 GT (Procharged) and put in the ad that prospective buyers cannot drive it. Sure, a few guys whined about it, but the serious buyers understood completely. No way am I letting some stranger drive my 800 HP car. What happens when they aren't ready or experienced enough to control it and then smash it into a curb or worse? Now you are on the hook completely. I took anyone for a ride that wanted to see that it functioned as advertised.

 

[BlkMach10510]

I sold my 2017 GT (Procharged) and put in the ad that prospective buyers cannot drive it. Sure, a few guys whined about it, but the serious buyers understood completely. No way am I letting some stranger drive my 800 HP car. What happens when they aren't ready or experienced enough to control it and then smash it into a curb or worse? Now you are on the hook completely. I took anyone for a ride that wanted to see that it functioned as advertised.

Yes, if someone wants to test it and drive the crap out of it then like the other poster said, buy it.

 

[RiotfunK]

I mean look at test drives at a dealer regardless of type of vehicle. Its a set drive and no where to really get on it. It for a reason. Liability. If someone wraps up your car by driving it. You are still going to take the hit on insurance. Especially if they aren't a registered driver, They may tell you to kick rocks after its FUBAR. Its not worth it. Especially nowadays where no one has any respect for others stuff. They can ride with me and Ill get on it some for them and show them the work orders and mods, etc. Hell, I wouldn't let some friends drive my car.

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